Spiritual Sensitivity: Training the Spirit to Respond

Have you ever felt a nudge deep within—an impression urging you toward a decision or action—but you couldn't quite put your finger on what it was? It’s as if something is trying to tell you something, yet it’s not clearly defined. Let me clarify.

Human beings are tripartite in nature: we are spirits, we live in bodies, and we possess souls (minds, emotions, and wills). Communication can come from any of these realms. Often, people struggle to distinguish between the spirit and the soul because both are unseen, intangible parts of our being. However, this message is not about distinguishing between the two. Rather, it is about cultivating spiritual sensitivity —our ability to discern and respond to spiritual communication.

God communicates with us primarily through our spirits. Though our spirits may receive divine signals, our minds must be renewed and trained to align with the Spirit. This alignment is cultivated through ongoing fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27, KJV). When we consistently dwell in God’s presence, His voice becomes clearer to us.

A Personal Testimony

Years ago, when my son Sean was just a year old, I left home one morning to attend choir rehearsal. Everything seemed normal—Sean was fine, and we had even played together before I left.

Several hours into the rehearsal, I began to feel uneasy. A strange sensation settled over me, a pressing feeling that something was wrong at home. I couldn’t shake it. Though I had never left a rehearsal early before, I requested permission to leave—surprising my fellow choristers. I set off for home immediately, despite the long distance.

About 300 meters from my house, my phone rang. It was my wife, sobbing uncontrollably. I asked what was wrong, and she cried out, “Sean isn’t breathing anymore!”

I broke into a run.

When I arrived, I saw my son's limp body. His eyes were wide open, and he was completely unresponsive. Neighbors had gathered, weeping. Without hesitation, I grabbed him and ran toward the hospital, crying out to God as I went.

I whispered into Sean’s ears, “Sean, you cannot die. This is not God's purpose for you.” Then I declared before the Lord, “This is not Your promise for Sean—therefore, let him live!”

Suddenly, Sean defecated on my clothes and began to move. A neighbor with a motorbike quickly took us to the hospital. Upon arrival, the doctor looked at us and said, “It is a miracle that you came at the exact time you did.”

The Importance of Prompt Spiritual Response

Had I ignored the uneasy feeling during rehearsal, the outcome could have been tragic. But by God's grace, I was spiritually sensitive and took swift action when prompted. This sensitivity saved my son's life.

Scripture tells us to be vigilant in the spirit:

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14, KJV).

To grow in spiritual sensitivity, we must consistently train our spirit man to perceive divine signals and know what actions to take. This training involves:

* Daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14)

* Renewing the mind through the Word of God (Romans 12:2)

* Practicing discernment through obedience and prayer** (Philippians 1:9–10)

* Staying alert and watchful in the spirit (1 Peter 5:8)

Conclusion:

Sensitivity to the Spirit is not optional—it is essential. In a world full of noise and distractions, the ability to discern God’s leading can make the difference between life and death, success and failure, peace and chaos.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6, KJV).

Train your spirit to hear God. Act when He speaks. Stay spiritually sensitive.